Hotel Recommendation:
Sunset Villas (technically Seacrest but very close to Rosemary)
On the beach- the center unit doesn’t have the best beach views unless you are at the top, but the left and right sides are perfect. The condo was fantastic and they are individually owned but we booked on the VRBO app and had a pleasant experience. It did come with two bikes
The easiest way to get to the beach. 10/10 recommend with kiddos
Villages of South Walton
I have stayed here twice and LOVED it. Very convenient to shops, restaurants, bike rentals, and more
Walking distance to Barrett Square
Walk to the beach but trams available
The Pearl
Near the beach, beach views- restaurant and bar
Pricier than the others but fantastic reviews
Of course there are houses throughout Barrett Square as well as many condos
Book through Rosemary Beach site or VRBO
Almost all have a walk to the beach
Arrival:
If you travel I-65, I recommend a pit stop at Peach Park
Lunch, incredible ice cream, fresh produce to take to the beach, a boutique, and an outdoor play area for the kiddos
Day 1:
Prep and Beach
Arrive and hit up the local Publix for groceries
Making your lunch and breakfast in the apartment saves a lot of money and frees up plenty of time for other things
Beach Day
if you are going to use the chairs on the beach for a stress free travel down, book at La Dolce Vita (Book in advance to ensure availability)
**Disclaimer: Depending on your condo, you could have a pretty decent walk to the beach, be sure to bring a wagon or consider the beach rental service for stress for travel. There are trolleys available and they run daily with set times.
Pricing ranges but for 4 days with a full beach set is around $450 in the peak months
Chairs and umbrella single rentals are available
You can also rent bikes, golf carts, and more through the La Dolce Vita site
Golf carts will be really helpful riding between hotels, shops, restaurants, and the beach depending on where you stay
Dinner
After the beach, get ready for dinner and check out George’s at Alys Beach
Not a far drive or golf ride to one of the prettiest places on 30A. George’s has a great atmosphere and even better food
Dessert
If time allows, walk back to the Rosemary Beach community area and grab a cone of ice cream at
Kilwin’s
If the line is long and everyone is restless, the little ice cream shop next to it is just as yummy, has cheaper prices and a much shorter line
Day 2:
Barrett Square and Beach
Before the beach, walk around the Rosemary Beach area and check out the shops and local restaurants (Barret Square- one of the cutest places in 30A)
Shop favorites: Disco, Gigi’s, Rosemary Beach Trading Company
Grab coffee at Amavida or Charlie’s Café
Hit the beach for the day
Dinner
Grab dinner at La Crema
Small plates and tapas but the chocolate fondue is a must eat!
Have a beach bonfire
This is especially fun with a large group
Beach Bonfires | 30A Blaze | Santa Rosa Beach (my recommendation)
Day 3:
Beach and Shop
Beach day until early afternoon
Let’s go shopping
Explore all the unique little beach towns along 30A
Seaside: The food trucks here would be great for lunch
Favorite Shops: Seaside Style beach shop (famous shirts), Duckie’s Shop of Fun, Bump & Baby
Santa Rosa Beach
Explore the shops along the Emerald Coast Highway
If you want more beach time, this is a great place to do it
Grayton Beach
So many cute shops near the Grayton Seafood Company Restaurant
Dinner
Have dinner at Grayton Seafood Company
The best seafood on 30A in our opinion
Dine indoors or out but it’s small so I would recommend a reservation
Day 4:
Beach for the Last Day
Enjoy the last day on the beach
Grab lunch at Crabby Steve’s
right on the beach and in walking distance. Has a bar too!
Head out for dinner at Old Florida Fishhouse
Such a unique dining experience- indoors or out, though I recommend out
Little pop up shops as you walk in, plenty of activities and areas to run for the kiddos, even grab Gelato as you leave
Picture Pit Stop
Depart:
Have breakfast at the Donut Hole
After all, calories don't count on vacation!
If you are travelling along I-65...
I recommend a stop at Sweet Creek Farms
Grab lunch, stretch your legs, let the kids play (they have goats, etc), fresh produce to take home for the week
If it’s Fall, they have pumpkins and usually a festival going on with vendors
Tips on the Lo:
If you find yourself in Rosemary on Sunday, you must walk down the Farmer’s Market. Fresh produce, meat, honey, and local finds that you simply can’t beat!
Comments